Probable cause
The inflight fire and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive fire damage.
NTSB analysis
According to information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane was observed to be on fire before crashing short of an airpark. The fire continued postimpact and consumed the entire airplane. The non-certificated pilot suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. The pilot’s family was not able to provide aircraft or pilot records and the pilot’s flight experience could not be substantiated.
The FAA reported that the extensive fire damage precluded a thorough examination of the airplane and engine. The reason for the inflight fire and subsequent impact with terrain could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA411 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 15, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Liberty, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- (4MO4)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Amateur-built S6
- N-number
- N853HT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1990
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.